Santa Clara County and partner cities follow a coexistence model led by SCC Vector Control and CDFW: hazing, attractant removal, and lethal control only for sick or aggressive animals. Title C and city codes ban intentional feeding of coyotes and other wildlife.
Urban coyotes are a permanent presence across SCC. The county's coexistence approach, supported by SCC Vector Control District, SCC Animal Services, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), prioritizes hazing (loud noise, eye contact, throwing objects) and attractant removal over lethal control. CDFW handles permits for lethal removal where coyotes show aggression, sickness, or repeated pet predation. SCC Title C and most city codes prohibit intentional feeding of coyotes and other wildlife, including leaving pet food outside and unsecured trash. Cities such as Sunnyvale, Cupertino, and Los Altos run resident-education programs.
Intentional wildlife feeding under Title C or city codes brings administrative citations starting near one hundred dollars, escalating with repeats. Chronic attractant problems can trigger nuisance abatement orders requiring secure trash, compost, and fruit-tree management.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Santa Clara County, CA
In unincorporated Santa Clara County, the County Noise Ordinance (Title B, Division B11, Chapter VIII of the County Ordinance Code) sets exterior noise limit...
Santa Clara County, CA
In unincorporated Santa Clara County, fence height is regulated by the County Zoning Ordinance administered by the Department of Planning and Development. Fe...
Santa Clara County, CA
ALL fireworks - including state-approved 'Safe and Sane' fireworks - are illegal in unincorporated Santa Clara County. The County has banned the sale, posses...
Santa Clara County, CA
Residential pools and spas in unincorporated Santa Clara County are governed by California Health and Safety Code Sections 115920 through 115929 (the Pool Sa...
Santa Clara County, CA
Unincorporated Santa Clara County allows movable tiny homes as a substitute for one Accessory Dwelling Unit under Zoning Ordinance Section 4.10.015(E), adopt...
Santa Clara County, CA
In unincorporated Santa Clara County, sheds are regulated as accessory buildings under Zoning Ordinance Section 4.20.020. A shed whose combined length plus w...
See how Santa Clara County's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.